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Tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in hepatoma cell line HepG2, but poor data were available on the signaling pathway initiated by t-BHP. In this work, we studied in details the apoptotic pathways induced in HepG2 cells by t-BHP. DNA fragmentation, activation of caspases and cytochrome c release were demonstrated. Permeability transition pore inhibitors prevented the DNA fragmentation and caspase activation induced by t-BHP. In addition, changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential were detected: hyperpolarization preceded loss of membrane potential. It also preceded caspase activation which occurred before the induction of DNA fragmentation. Taken together, these results emphasize the central role played by mitochondria in the initiation of apoptosis in HepG2 cells exposed to oxidant agents.

Male Wistar albino rats received three times daily for one to five days 0.25 to 5.0 mg/kg D,L-isoproterenol intraperitoneally. D.L-Isoproterenol injections provoked a time dependent- and dose-related cardiac hypertrophy. With moderate hypertrophy, a selective decrease in secretin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity occurred. When heart hypertrophy was more pronounced, greater losses in secretin-, as well as in D,L-isoproterenol-, glucagon-, guanine nucleotide-, and fluoride-stimulated enzyme activity developed. Hormone stimulations of adenylate cyclase were more severely, curtailed (60 to 65%) than guanine nucleotide or fluoride stimulations (40 to 45%). The accompanying loss in beta-receptors (35%) was proportionately lower than the loss of D,L-isoproterenol sensitivity of adenylate cyclase. This complex pattern of adenylate cyclase desensitization in heart membranes from animals chronically treated with D,L-isoproterenol is reminiscent of that observed in heart membranes from spontaneously hypertensive rats.